Latest News (Nov 26, 2018)

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.The San Diego Padres have sold third baseman Christian Villanueva's rights to the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese League. Villanueva was a bright spot for the Friars in 2018, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 46. However, he hit only .236/.299/.450 in 351 at-bats. San Diego doesn't have an obvious choice to start at the hot corner with Villanueva out of the picture, although Greg Garcia and Jose Pirela could be options.

.The San Diego Padres have sold third baseman Christian Villanueva's rights to the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese League. Villanueva was a bright spot for the Friars in 2018, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 46. However, he hit only .236/.299/.450 in 351 at-bats. San Diego doesn't have an obvious choice to start at the hot corner with Villanueva out of the picture, although Greg Garcia and Jose Pirela could be options.

Christian Villanueva Sold To Hanshin Tigers

Nov. 21, 2018

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.Per Ken Rosenthal, the San Diego Padres are selling third baseman Christian Villanueva to the Hanshin Tigers in Japan. The Padres announced Villanueva was designated for assignment earlier on Tuesday. The 27-year-old burst on the scene as a rookie in 2018, crushing eight homers and winning Rookie of the Month honors in April. He fell off considerably afterwards, batting only .209 from May 1 until his season was cut short by injury in August. Villanueva will get a fresh opportunity overseas and the Padres will be in the free agent market for a starter at the hot corner.

Villanueva (finger) was sold to the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan on...

Nov. 20, 2018

Villanueva (finger) was sold to the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan on Tuesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

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Villanueva (finger) was sold to the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan on...

Nov. 20, 2018

Villanueva (finger) was sold to the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan on Tuesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

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Christian Villanueva Shut Down

Sep. 15, 2018

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.San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva (finger) has officially been shut down for the rest of the season after he broke the middle finger on his right hand in August. Villanueva finishes with a .236/.299/.450 slash line with 20 home runs in 110 games in 2018. The 27-year-old had a couple of decent stretches where he helped fantasy owners in deeper leagues with his power, but like most Padres hitters this year, he whiffed too much.

Villanueva (finger) has been shut down for the season, MLB.com's AJ Cassavell reports.

Sep. 15, 2018

Villanueva (finger) has been shut down for the season, MLB.com's AJ Cassavell reports.

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Christian Villanueva Placed on 10-Day DL

Aug. 23, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva (finger) has been placed on the 10-day disabled list on Thursday. Villanueva suffered a fractured right middle finger while attempting to field a ground ball on Wednesday. He's expected to miss three or four weeks, so his 2018 season could be over. Many fantasy owners may want to drop him unless they have a DL slot available.

Villanueva underwent X-rays on Wednesday that revealed a fractured right middle finger, which will...

Aug. 23, 2018

Villanueva underwent X-rays on Wednesday that revealed a fractured right middle finger, which will sideline him for 3-to-4 weeks, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Villanueva received his first career start at the keystone Friday, going 1-for-3 with a double in a...

Aug. 18, 2018

Villanueva received his first career start at the keystone Friday, going 1-for-3 with a double in a loss to Arizona.

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Christian Villanueva is Out of the Lineup Wednesday

Aug. 15, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Wil Myers will play third base and bat second against righty Felix Pena. On Monday, the Padres said they would give Villanueva a look at second base and shortstop. It sounds like they plan to keep Myers at third base, so Villanueva is likely going to need to move elsewhere. Myers is 0-for-7 since coming off the DL, but is facing a mediocre starter on Wednesday. He's worth a look in DFS contests, but could be somewhat risky.

Villanueva is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Angels.

Aug. 14, 2018

Villanueva is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Angels.

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Villanueva is set to see time at second base in the near future Dennis Lin of The Athletic San...

Aug. 13, 2018

Villanueva is set to see time at second base in the near future Dennis Lin of The Athletic San Diego reports.

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Villanueva went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's 9-3 win over the Phillies.

Aug. 13, 2018

Villanueva went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's 9-3 win over the Phillies.

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Villanueva is out of the lineup against the Phillies on Friday.

Aug. 10, 2018

Villanueva is out of the lineup against the Phillies on Friday.

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Villanueva is not in the lineup versus Milwaukee on Thursday.

Aug. 9, 2018

Villanueva is not in the lineup versus Milwaukee on Thursday.

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Villanueva is out of the lineup for the second half of Sunday's doubleheader with the Phillies.

Jul. 22, 2018

Villanueva is out of the lineup for the second half of Sunday's doubleheader with the Phillies.

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Villanueva went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored Sunday against the Cubs.

Jul. 15, 2018

Villanueva went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored Sunday against the Cubs.

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Villanueva is out of Thursday's lineup against the Dodgers.

Jul. 12, 2018

Villanueva is out of Thursday's lineup against the Dodgers.

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Villanueva went 1-for-3 with his 18th home run of the season in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Jul. 12, 2018

Villanueva went 1-for-3 with his 18th home run of the season in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Dodgers.

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Villanueva started at third base and went 1-for-4 in Monday's loss to the Dodgers.

Jul. 10, 2018

Villanueva started at third base and went 1-for-4 in Monday's loss to the Dodgers.

San Diego Padres infielder Cory Spangenberg will start at third base in place of Christian Villanueva Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite smacking his team-leading 17th home run on Wednesday, Villanueva is stuck in a deep slump, hitting just .188 since May 1. Spangenberg will bring a left-handed bat to the Padres lineup against Diamondbacks righty starter Shelby Miller. Spangenberg has not been great this season, slashing .238/.272/.390 but does have six homers and five steals in 182 plate appearances. For daily players willing to take a gamble, Spangenberg is hitting .298 since June 1 with three long balls.

Christian Villanueva is Out Thursday

Jul. 5, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva (rest) is out of the starting lineup against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Cory Spangenberg will bat sixth and play third base against righty Shelby Miller. It looks like just a routine day off for Villanueva, who has heavily cooled off since April. Most owners should stay away from Villanueva unless you're in desperate need of a power hitter.

Christian Villanueva Blasts 17th Homer

Jul. 4, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva cracked his 17th home run in Wednesday's loss to the Oakland Athletics. Villanueva took A's lefty starter Sean Manaea deep for a two-run shot in the second inning and finished the day 2-for-4. After a torrid start to his rookie season, Villanueva has struggled mightily, batting just .188 since May 1. Due to his extended slump, he's been sharing more time with infielder Cory Spangenberg at the hot corner. Villanueva continues to have immense success against left-handed pitching (1.189 OPS) and performs better at home (.851 OPS) than on the road (.710). The dramatic splits make Villanueva a better fantasy asset in daily games than season-long leagues.

Villanueva is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rangers.

Jun. 26, 2018

Villanueva is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rangers.

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Villanueva went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's loss to the Athletics.

Jun. 20, 2018

Villanueva went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's loss to the Athletics.

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Villanueva is out of the lineup Sunday against the Braves, Gabe Burns of the Atlanta...

Jun. 17, 2018

Villanueva is out of the lineup Sunday against the Braves, Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

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Christian Villanueva Out, Cory Spangenberg At Third

Jun. 17, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva is out of the lineup Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. Utility infielder Cory Spangenberg will man the hot corner. Since his last homer on May 31, Villanueva is mired in a 4-for-31 funk (.129) with 12 strikeouts. Villanueva's average has dipped all the way to .223 and his OPS is below .800 for the first time this season. Stuck on 15 homers, his fantasy stock has plummeted accordingly and should be benched until he rediscovers his stroke. Villanueva will yield to Spangenberg, who's gone deep six times, stolen five bases and holds a .658 OPS in 137 plate appearances. Spangenberg is not a season-long fantasy option and a risky gamble in daily leagues.

Villanueva returned to the lineup Sunday, going 1-for-4 with three strikeouts in a 3-1 win over...

Jun. 11, 2018

Villanueva returned to the lineup Sunday, going 1-for-4 with three strikeouts in a 3-1 win over Miami.

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Villanueva is out of the lineup against Miami on Saturday.

Jun. 9, 2018

Villanueva is out of the lineup against Miami on Saturday.

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Christian Villanueva Sitting Saturday

Jun. 9, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva is out of Saturday's lineup against the Miami Marlins. Villanueva holds a .584 OPS against right-handed pitching this season and will take a seat against starter Dan Straily. Villanueva is slashing .232/.294/.525 and is second in the National League with 15 long balls this season. The upstart rookie strikes out in 29 percent of his plate appearances, so the average will likely stay depressed, but his power is real. Villanueva remains a worthy fantasy asset for teams needing homers and RBI and is a must-start against left-handed pitching (1.306 OPS).

Villanueva is not in the lineup against Atlanta on Wednesday.

Jun. 6, 2018

Villanueva is not in the lineup against Atlanta on Wednesday.

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Villanueva (ankle) will start at third base and bat fourth against the Braves on Tuesday.

Jun. 5, 2018

Villanueva (ankle) will start at third base and bat fourth against the Braves on Tuesday.

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Villanueva (ankle) is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Braves.

Jun. 4, 2018

Villanueva (ankle) is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Braves.

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Villanueva left Sunday's matchup against the Reds with an apparent injury after fouling a ball off...

Jun. 3, 2018

Villanueva left Sunday's matchup against the Reds with an apparent injury after fouling a ball off his left ankle, Dennis Lin of The Athletic San Diego reports.

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Christian Villanueva Smacks 15th Home Run

May. 31, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva crushed his 15th home run in Thursday's victory against the Miami Marlins. Villanueva popped a two-run dinger in the first inning en route to a 2-for-5 night with two runs and two RBI. He's now second behind Bryce Harper for the National League lead in home runs. Villanueva's average has dipped since his scorching start, but the power has been consistent with seven long balls in May to follow up eight in April. For the season, Villanueva is slashing .241/.308/.560 with 35 RBI and 25 runs. Though he has issues with strikeouts (52 in 182 plate appearances), Villanueva is a worthy fantasy player for any teams searching for power and is a must-start against lefties (1.357 OPS).

Villanueva is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins.

May. 29, 2018

Villanueva is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins.

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Villanueva went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Dodgers.

May. 27, 2018

Villanueva went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Dodgers.

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Villanueva went 1-for-3 with a two-run double in Wednesday's win over the Nationals.

May. 23, 2018

Villanueva went 1-for-3 with a two-run double in Wednesday's win over the Nationals.

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Villanueva is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Nationals

May. 22, 2018

Villanueva is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Nationals

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Christian Villanueva Sitting Tuesday

May. 22, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Washington Nationals. Villanueva will get the night off against right-handed starter Jeremy Hellickson, with utility infielder Corey Spangenberg starting at third base in his stead. Although Villanueva only has a .552 OPS in May, April's reigning National League Rookie of the Month still holds a .244/.320/.556 slash line with 12 long balls, 26 RBI and 20 runs. He's been one of the better offensive players in San Diego and should continue getting the lion's share of opportunities at the hot corner He's a fine rotational third baseman in fantasy leagues, especially against lefties, whom he's mashed to the tune of a 1.369 OPS.

Villanueva went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run Sunday against the Pirates.

May. 20, 2018

Villanueva went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run Sunday against the Pirates.

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Christian Villanueva Starting To Find His Stride Again

May. 20, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and a run in the 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. After going eight starts and ten games without a base hit, Villanueva now has a hit in three of his last four games including two home runs. Villanueva's potential to put balls in the seats continues to show as even with his hitless stretch, he still has 11 home runs on the season, putting him tied for 13th in the league. If Villanueva can get back to consistent, everyday time at third base, he should be once again owned in all formats.

Villanueva is out of the lineup for the second day in a row Friday against the Pirates.

May. 18, 2018

Villanueva is out of the lineup for the second day in a row Friday against the Pirates.

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Manuel Margot, Jose Pirela, Christian Villanueva Out Friday

May. 18, 2018

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San Diego Padres outfielder Manuel Margot, second baseman Jose Pirela, and third baseman Christian Villanueva are absent from the Padres lineup Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Padres are stacking the batting order with lefties against right-handed starter Ivan Nova. Outfielder Travis Jankowski will slide to center field, second baseman Carlos Asuaje will man the keystone with infielder Corey Spangenberg handling third base. Rookie outfielder Franmil Reyes will get another start in right field. Expect Margot, Pirela and Villanueva back in the lineup Saturday.

Villanueva is not in Thursday's lineup against the Pirates.

May. 17, 2018

Villanueva is not in Thursday's lineup against the Pirates.

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Christian Villanueva Cracks 10th Homer

May. 16, 2018

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San Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva smacked his 10th homer of the season Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies. Villanueva provided a two-run blast in the sixth inning and finished the day 2-for-3. He lined a single on Monday night to escape a dreadful 0-for-37 slump and has three hits in his last two games. Villanueva's dry spell sank his average all the way from .348 to .226, and he's now slashing .238/.316/.525 on the season with 22 RBI along with the 10 bombs. With Villanueva's floor and ceiling now established, he should remain a serviceable fantasy player if he maintains a degree of consistency. The Padres are committed to him as their everyday third baseman and he continues to pound left-handed pitching (1.470 OPS).